Questions and Answers
What was the 17th amendment?
Allowed for the direct election of U.S. Senators.
Who had the power before the 17th amendment to appoint/replaced senators when one resigned?
State governor
How long would a new senator serve?
Until the next election
What motivated the Senate to be more accountable to the people?
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What issues did the 17th amendment address?
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Who supported and who opposed the 17th amendment?
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Where was the first proposal for the 17th amendment introduced in 1826?
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State legislators could not make any progress during senator elections. What resulted from this?
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When the amendment was proposed, it included a what?
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What did the 'race rider' do for the amendment?
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Who was one of the main people to push for ratification of the 17th amendment?
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In order to pass the 17th amendment, what did the constitution require of each house?
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What did state legislators do in order to get this amendment ratified?
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The 17th amendment said that when vacancies occur in the Senate office, who can appoint a senator to fill the opening?
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The main way the amendment addressed issues in the progressive era was by doing what?
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What two things did the 17th amendment end?
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The 17th amendment establishes more what in the United States?
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Why do people disagree with the 17th amendment?
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What was one main thing that happened because of the 17th amendment?
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What is the spoils system?
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Study Notes
17th Amendment Overview
- The 17th Amendment allowed for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the citizens.
- Prior to its ratification, state governors had the authority to appoint senators or replace them when they resigned.
Duration of Service
- Newly elected senators serve until the next scheduled election, ensuring regular accountability to voters.
Motivation for Accountability
- The rise of the Populist Party was a key factor in pushing for greater accountability in the Senate.
Issues Addressed by the Amendment
- Aimed to combat corruption in government.
- Intended to weaken dominate political machines.
- Worked to eliminate long-term vacancies in Senate seats.
Support and Opposition
- The amendment was championed by the Populist Party.
- Wealthy individuals and business interests opposed the changes.
Historical Context
- The first proposal for the direct election of senators was introduced in the House in 1826.
- Historically, state legislators struggled to elect senators, leading to lengthy vacancies in office.
Legislative Progress
- The original proposal included a "race rider" to address concerns over federal intervention due to racial prejudice in voter rights.
Advocacy for Ratification
- William Jennings Bryan was prominent in advancing the ratification of the 17th Amendment.
Constitutional Requirements
- The Constitution required a two-thirds vote from each house of Congress for the amendment to pass.
Voluntary Sacrifice of State Power
- State legislators voluntarily relinquished their power to elect senators, facilitating the amendment's acceptance and passage.
Filling Vacancies
- The amendment stipulates that when a Senate vacancy occurs, it can be filled by an appointment from either the president or the governor.
Progressive Era Impact
- The key change during the Progressive Era was the establishment of direct elections for senators by the electorate.
Reduction of Corruption
- The 17th Amendment aimed to eliminate delays and corruption associated with previous election practices.
Enhancement of Democracy
- The amendment strengthened democratic principles within the United States.
Criticism of the Amendment
- Some critics argue that the 17th Amendment represents a complete surrender of state power in the Senate election process.
Consequence of the 17th Amendment
- The introduction of the 17th Amendment contributed to the expansion of the spoils system in American politics.
Understanding the Spoils System
- The spoils system is characterized by the practice of rewarding political supporters with public office after a successful election.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution with these flashcards. Learn about direct elections of Senators and the historical context behind this significant change in governance. Perfect for students of American history or those preparing for exams.
